🌯 Mediterranean Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
Crispy, spicy, and creamy—these Mediterranean-inspired Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos combine tender shrimp in a golden crust, a smoky-spicy sauce, and fresh Mediterranean toppings all wrapped in soft tortillas. Perfect for a flavorful lunch, dinner, or even party food!
📝 Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 500g (about 1 lb) medium shrimp, peeled & deveined
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- 1 egg + 2 tbsp water (beaten)
- Oil for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt (or mayo)
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp lemon juice
For the Mediterranean Slaw:
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- ½ cup diced cucumber
- ¼ cup chopped cherry tomatoes
- 2 tbsp crumbled feta cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley or mint, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt & pepper to taste
Other:
- 6 small flour or corn tortillas
- Optional: sliced avocado, extra feta, lemon wedges for serving
👩🍳 Instructions
- Prepare the Slaw: In a bowl, combine red cabbage, cucumber, tomatoes, feta, parsley, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Toss and set aside.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lemon juice until smooth. Chill until ready to use.
- Prepare the Shrimp:
- Pat shrimp dry. In one bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, beat egg with water.
- Dip each shrimp into the egg wash, then coat in the flour mixture.
- Fry the Shrimp: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry shrimp in batches for 2–3 minutes per side or until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Assemble Tacos:
- Warm tortillas slightly.
- Add a layer of slaw, followed by crispy shrimp.
- Drizzle with bang bang sauce.
- Top with avocado, more feta, or fresh herbs if desired.
- Serve Immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
💡 Notes:
- Air-fry or bake shrimp for a lighter option (air-fry at 400°F for 8–10 min).
- Use lettuce wraps instead of tortillas for a low-carb version.
- Sauce can be made in advance and stored for up to 3 days.
🌟 Tips:
- For ultra-crispy shrimp, let coated shrimp rest for 10 minutes before frying.
- Marinate shrimp in lemon juice and garlic for 15 min before coating for extra flavor.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas based on your dietary needs.
🍽️ Servings:
- Makes 6 tacos, serves 3 people (2 tacos per person)
🔢 Nutritional Info (Per 2-Taco Serving):
- Calories: ~480 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fat: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: Moderate to High (mainly from feta & sauce)
- Vitamin C, A, and Omega-3s: Good levels
✅ Health Benefits:
- Shrimp is high in lean protein and omega-3s, supporting brain and heart health.
- Greek yogurt adds probiotics and calcium.
- Cabbage & veggies offer fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
- Olive oil provides healthy fats.
❓ Q & A:
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes! Use a dairy-free yogurt or vegan mayo, and skip the feta or use a plant-based cheese.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free flour and tortillas. Cornstarch is naturally gluten-free.
Q: What’s a good substitute for shrimp?
A: Try crispy tofu cubes, grilled halloumi, or baked cauliflower for a vegetarian twist.
Q: Can I prep it in advance?
A: You can prep the slaw and sauce ahead, but fry shrimp just before serving for best crunch.